Peekskill · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Peekskill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Deteriorated windows at 38 North Division Street
The building housing Whiskey River has failing, duct-taped aluminum windows the owner has been trying to replace since 2022 pending state approvals. The board approved the fix, tied to a DRI grant that will also clean up stucco, the roof, and a neglected rear area.
Civic Roots Westchester Grant Partnership
Peekskill is partnering with an environmental group to apply for grant money to build a local volunteer network for climate and tree initiatives.
Mountain biking trails at Depew Park
The city is hitting pause on changing park bike rules to investigate waterfront paths and Dupu Park rules further.
Quality of Life Enforcement Push
The city is cracking down harder on litter, with tickets against Main Street store owners jumping from 6 to 16. Overgrowth, overcrowding, and fire violations are down.
Police Department Locker Room Renovation
The police department is moving forward with bids for electrical work in its locker room and gym upgrade project, funded partly by a state grant.
Election Polling Places
Peekskill just posted where you can vote on Election Day. Check your assigned polling place before you head out so you don’t waste a trip to the wrong spot. It’s a small but important logistics update for anyone planning to cast a ballot.
2026 Street Tree Planting
Peekskill is wrapping up a grant-funded urban forestry plan and is planting 87 trees this fall — more than planned and under budget — targeting the hottest, most paved neighborhoods. The plan recommends appointing a single city tree manager and moving to a proactive five-year maintenance cycle.
Senior nutrition program funding
A $133,202 contract with Westchester County funds home-delivered meals and the Cold Supper program for at-risk seniors — no city match.
Election Information
Peekskill just posted its early voting and Election Day schedule, so if you plan to vote locally, now you know when to make a plan. It’s basic election logistics rather than a policy change—but missing it could mean missing your chance to cast a ballot.
Water pressure problems across Peekskill
Multiple residents said they get as little as 20 PSI at home and asked that water pressure be studied before more development. The engineer noted the Frost Lane project's new looping main should actually improve local pressure.
New Parking Kiosks and Passport Parking App
The city is exploring replacing parking meters with a pay-by-plate system, possibly phased in by location, with cash-at-meter and phone payment options under study.
2027 MTA Parking Permit Fee Increases
Metro-North signed off on the city's parking fee increases for the railroad lots. The plan and contract need to be signed by November 1 to take effect in 2027.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The council honored the family of Concetta "Cheddar" Morton, a 27-year-old Peekskill woman lost to intimate partner violence in 2023, with a proclamation and a moving speech from her mother urging young people to heed warnings about danger.
Capital plan and debt schedule
The city's capital plan was updated with two new grants for flood mitigation and stormwater work, and the debt schedule shows $32.3 million in outstanding long-term bonds. The budget proposes using $6.6 million in restricted firehouse fund balance — $600,000 a year — to pay down the firehouse debt.
2027 Fee Schedule with 3% Across-the-board Increase
The proposed fee schedule raises most fees 3% to keep pace with costs, while leaving senior parking permits, certificates, dog licenses and some rental fees unchanged. Council flagged a fingerprint fee typo and asked for residential/non-residential distinction at the marina boat launch.
Gas Powered Leaf Blower Ban
Peekskill backed a Westchester County summer ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, citing noise and environmental health concerns from two-stroke engines.